Dear OMS Families,

Forgive me, but we are all a little punchy by this time this year working in a middle school. 😉 I will say, however, that we made it! After ten months, approximately 180 days, 247 mysterious locker odors, and at least 842 “keep your hands to yourself” reminders, we’ve reached the finish line of another incredible school year!

Let me take a moment to thank you, our students' parents and guardians. You’ve checked homework, brought in many forgotten items, sent us kind emails (and a few “spirited” ones), attended conferences, games, concerts, and plays, and most importantly, partnered with us every step of the way to support your children. We truly couldn’t do it without you—and honestly, we wouldn’t want to.

This year was filled with memorable moments:

• Our students dazzled on stage in the spring musical Mary Poppins.

• The after-school dodgeball tournament left an indelible mark on our student winners and maybe some fleeting red marks on the opposing teammates.

• Our sports teams showed grit, teamwork, and just the right amount of mud and grass stains.

• And the 8th grade class? They're heading off to high school ready to conquer the world—or at least pass algebra. We’re proud of them and maybe a little misty-eyed too.😥

As we head into summer, I encourage you all to find the balance between adventure and relaxation. Read a book. Chase fireflies. Camp in the backyard. Or just enjoy not having to read another ParentSquare post for a while (well, I may be updating on some things here and there!)

For those returning in the fall: get ready for more learning, more growth, and maybe even fewer hallway shenanigans (looking at you, 6th graders). For those moving on: we’ll miss you dearly and hope you visit often.

Until then, have a safe, happy, and laughter-filled summer. And if you hear strange noises in your house in late August, don’t worry—it’s just your child remembering they cannot find their Chromebook charger.

With gratitude and sunscreen,
Kristina Bogosh, Principal

Lori Shattuck, Assistant Principal

P.S. The school office will be open most of the summer except Fridays, but don’t worry—we’ll be wearing our Birkenstocks and flip-flops too. Please call ahead if you need something. We will be taking some vacation time too :)

During lunches, we celebrated our students of the month on Monday, June 2.

Ms. Bennett and Mr. Szalay would like to appreciate all Art Club students for their dedication and hard work this year.

Best of luck to our 8th grade members!

THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU!

Teacher and Staff Appreciation Week 2025 couldn't have been possible without all the sponsors and families who supported the PTO! More thanks to these folks!

Helping middle school students maintain good hygiene—especially as the weather warms up—can be tricky but important. Here are some helpful, age-appropriate tips for parents:

💧 1. Normalize the Conversation

• Use a calm, non-judgmental tone.

• Tie the discussion to growing up and taking responsibility for oneself.

• Mention how warmer weather increases sweat and body odor, which is normal but manageable.

🧼 2. Create a Hygiene Checklist

Make it visual and easy to follow. Include:

• Daily showering (especially after sports or outdoor activities)

• Use of deodorant/antiperspirant

• Brushing teeth twice daily

• Washing face to prevent acne

• Changing clothes and underwear daily

👕 3. Talk About Laundry

• Encourage regular changing and washing of clothes—especially socks, underwear, and gym clothes.

• Teach them how to do their own laundry if they don’t know yet.

🚿 4. Make Showering Appealing

• Let them pick out body wash, shampoo, or face cleansers they like.

• Encourage music or a timer to make showering more enjoyable and efficient.

👟 5. Foot Care Matters

• Warm weather = sweaty feet. Talk about clean socks, breathable shoes, and washing feet well.

• Use foot powder or sprays if needed.

🧴 6. Skin and Sun Safety

• Talk about sunscreen and moisturizing as part of self-care.

• If acne is a concern, help them find a gentle skincare routine.

🧽 7. Lead by Example

• Model good hygiene habits without being preachy.

• Share age-appropriate stories from your own experience to make it relatable.

😷 8. Address Embarrassment with Empathy

• Acknowledge that puberty can be awkward, and reassure them it's normal.

• Avoid shaming. Instead, use reminders or gentle humor to guide them.

Here are some key facts about vaping and its impact on the adolescent brain:

🧠 Effects of Vaping on the Adolescent Brain

1. Brain Development is Ongoing Until the Mid-20s:

   • The adolescent brain is still developing, making it more vulnerable to the harmful effects of nicotine and other chemicals found in vaping products.

   • Nicotine exposure during this critical period can disrupt brain development, particularly in areas responsible for attention, learning, memory, and impulse control.

2. Nicotine Can Lead to Addiction More Easily in Teens:

   • Adolescents are more susceptible to addiction due to the plasticity of their developing brains.

   • Vaping delivers high levels of nicotine quickly, which can create stronger and faster addiction pathways.

   • According to the CDC, young people who vape are more likely to start smoking traditional cigarettes later.

3. Impact on Cognitive Function and Mental Health:

   • Research shows that nicotine exposure in teens can impact attention span, memory, and cognitive flexibility.

   • Vaping is also associated with increased symptoms of anxiety, depression, and mood disorders in adolescents.

🚫 Harmful Chemicals in Vapes

• Many vaping products contain toxic chemicals such as:

  • Formaldehyde and acetaldehyde – known carcinogens.

  • Diacetyl – linked to lung disease (also known as "popcorn lung").

  • Heavy metals like lead and nickel, which can damage the brain and other organs.

• Even products labeled as "nicotine-free" may contain trace amounts of nicotine or other harmful substances.

💨 Misconceptions About Vaping

• "It’s just flavored vapor" – Many teens believe that vaping is harmless water vapor. In reality, it contains aerosols with ultrafine particles that can be inhaled deep into the lungs.

• "It’s less harmful than smoking" – While vaping may seem less harmful than combustible cigarettes, it still poses significant health risks, especially for young people. More research is happening that shows effects.

📊 Concerning Trends Among Teens

• Flavor appeal: Sweet and fruity flavors make vaping products especially appealing to adolescents.

• Peer influence: Many teens try vaping due to peer pressure or curiosity, not fully understanding the risks.

• Nicotine dependence: Even occasional use can quickly lead to nicotine addiction.

💡 Key Takeaway:

Vaping is not a safe alternative to smoking, especially for adolescents. It can harm brain development, increase the risk of addiction, and contribute to long-term cognitive and mental health challenges.

______________________________________________________________________________________________

🚫 Key Facts About Vaping and Smoking Marijuana as Adolescents

🧠 Impact on the Adolescent Brain

1. Brain Development is Still in Progress:

   • The brain continues to develop until the mid-20s.

   • Both nicotine (in vapes) and THC (the psychoactive compound in marijuana) can interfere with this development.

   • Early exposure can affect areas of the brain responsible for memory, decision-making, learning, and emotional regulation.

2. Increased Risk of Cognitive Decline:

   • Studies show that regular marijuana use during adolescence can cause lasting damage to memory, attention, and processing speed.

   • THC can alter the brain's reward system, making it harder for teens to feel pleasure from everyday activities.

   • Nicotine, on the other hand, can impair cognitive flexibility (the ability to switch between tasks) and impact impulse control.

💨 Vaping vs. Smoking Marijuana: Health Risks

• Vaping Marijuana:

  • Many teens mistakenly believe that vaping THC is safer than smoking it.

  • In reality, vaping delivers higher concentrations of THC, which can lead to stronger psychoactive effects and a greater risk of addiction.

  • Vaping marijuana products has been linked to lung injury due to the presence of harmful additives (like vitamin E acetate).

• Smoking Marijuana:

  • Inhalation of burnt cannabis introduces tar and other chemicals into the lungs.

  • It can lead to chronic bronchitis, coughing, and airway inflammation.

  • Long-term use may contribute to respiratory issues and lung damage.

⚠️ Addiction and Mental Health Risks

• Nicotine Addiction:

  • Adolescents who vape are at greater risk of becoming addicted to nicotine, which can lead to long-term tobacco use.

  • Nicotine addiction can also worsen anxiety and depression symptoms.

• Marijuana Dependence:

  • Regular use can lead to cannabis use disorder (CUD), particularly in teens.

  • Symptoms of CUD include difficulty quitting, cravings, and withdrawal symptoms (irritability, mood swings, and sleep disturbances).

  • Frequent marijuana use in adolescence is associated with a higher risk of developing psychosis or schizophrenia, particularly in individuals with a genetic predisposition.

📊 Marijuana Potency Has Increased

• Today’s marijuana is much stronger than in previous decades.

• THC levels in marijuana have increased from around 3-4% in the 1990s to 15-30% or higher in many modern strains and vaping products.

• Higher THC levels increase the risk of impaired judgment, paranoia, and addiction.

💡 Key Takeaway:

Both vaping and smoking marijuana during adolescence can have significant, long-term consequences on brain development, mental health, and overall well-being. The high potency of modern THC products and the ease of access to vaping devices make it especially important for parents to have open, informed conversations with their teens about the risks.

We need our students to be present and on time for testing. Please avoid doctor appointments and trips on these dates. If a student misses the testing window it does have negative effects on the school's state rating and standing.

English Language Arts

April 1 & 2 - Grades 7 & 8 (makeups April 3 & 4)

April 7 & 8 - Grade 6 (makeups April 10 & 11)

Math

April 29 & 30 - Grades 7 & 8 (make-ups May 1 & 2)

May 13 & 14 - Grade 6 (make-ups May 15 & 16)

STE (Grade 8 only)

May 19 & 20 - Grade 8 (make-ups May 21 & 22)

Civics (Grade 8 only)

June 3 & 4 (make-ups June 5 & 6)

Baking Club UPDATE: Mrs. Kelly, Ms. Pedro, and Student Lila Suarez started a baking club. Due to its popularity and size, we will have to limit students as there are only so many ovens to bake in that time. In addition, there are safety measures that need to be in place. There will be more information given but students may have to sign up and limit to 15 students per time and this will be on a rotating basis! Information will be forthcoming at the next meeting. Sorry for any inconvenience or disappointment!

Also, we will be continuing play club on Wednesdays. It will be outside when possible but will be in the cafeteria and/or library for some indoor play. Please be sure to register your child we can take up to 75 registrations and we still have plenty of spots left as of this month!

Play Club is a program with a philosophy that free play with no adult planning or interfering allows students to make their own fun and solve their own problems while building resilience, social interaction, and creativity!!! This is important even for those in their adolescent years.

Play Club uses a loose parts approach for play. Loose parts are any materials that can be used in countless, open-ended ways. It can include hula hoops, balls, traffic cones, bales of hay, boxes, chalk, natural materials, craft materials, etc.

Play Club is a mixed-age group for any of our students in grades 6-8. Mixed-age play encourages cognitive development as children engage in activities that require problem-solving, negotiation, and shared-decision making. It also can allow for diverse perspectives by bringing various experiences to the environment and broadens a child's worldview.
It is different from a traditional recess. Here is a graphic below.
In a world where devices are a constant in our everyday lives, it is our belief that students require opportunities for free play. We want to provide an after-school opportunity for our students at Overlook. Included in this introduction is an attachment about the goals of Play Club and what the benefits are to free-play with minimal adult interference. Play Club operates on a paradigm of "You can handle it." Students will have to resolve their issues independently through a communication protocol called "Conflict Corner" which is also attached.

There are very simple ground rules for students:
1. Play respectfully: Do not deliberately hit or physically hurt another.
2. Get permission to leave the area/grounds.
3. Listen to the adults, who will intervene only when they must.

The Details
WHO: Any student in grades 6-8. (At this time maximum of 75 students can join play club.)
WHAT: Play Club
WHEN: Every Wednesday, except 1/2 days. From 2-3:30pm. Rain or Shine. Starting October 2nd.
WHERE: Outside on the OMS field (If raining or during winter months, students will play in the cafeteria, library, and/or gym, if available).
WHY: Kids need free play; it builds healthy relationships, problem-solving skills, creativity and innovation. Schools who have implemented free play report happier children and reduction in bullying.

If a student wants to join Play Club they and their parents will need to:
1. Complete this REGISTRATION FORM linked below (which also includes an acknowledgement of the Play Club Pledge - see attached). The Play Club has a limit of 75 students at this time. Students must be registered to participate. We understand if they cannot attend every date but would like a commitment to attend minimum of 75% of the dates.
2. Review the "Conflict Corner" expectations. Students will have to enter the "Conflict Corner" to resolve any spats or problems on their own.
3. Ensure timely pickup at the end of Play Club.

We are still looking for some help. We would like to outfit each classroom with a variety of quick indoor games for times when the weather is not cooperating, as well as some outside games for the spring.

We have put together an Amazon Wish List and would ask parents and friends of the community to donate from the Amazon list below, if possible. We would be very grateful!

If interested, we would love your support for our Overlook Brain Break Drive. Here is the list that will ship directly to the school:

https://www.amazon.com/registries/gl/guest-view/2FIN1UNAV2CAI

We have had to do a lot of reminders about keeping hands to one's self! Please remind your child that it is not appropriate to be "handsy" with others nor is it okay for anyone to be horsing around. This is a safety concern. We have had way too many conversations about this as of late. Thanks to Ms. Bennett for creating a this image for a poster that we have had printed and hung around the school as a visual reminder.

Coming prepared to school doesn't just mean bring a pencil and notebook - it also means making sure chromebook is charged. Please ensure your child's nightly routine includes charging their chromebook for the next day of learning.

Students cannot enter the building before 7:10am as there is no supervision.

Breakfast begins at 7:20 (students can exit the bus at this time if eating breakfast only).

Classes begin at 7:35am.

Dismissal is at 1:50pm.

Please be sure to not park in the general parking areas to let students off or pick them up. Use the line that goes behind the school. This is a safety concern with students running through parking lots and parents disrupting traffic patterns.

Also, please pay attention to staff members directing traffic. Do not drive-by when they ask you to stop.

Passing busses with flashing lights is a $250 traffic citation.

Students should not be wearing pajamas or slippers to school. This is part of our dress code. We do on occasion have a spirit day where students are allowed to wear pajamas as a "treat" but appropriate, everyday school attire does not include pajamas or slippers. Please make sure your child is dressed appropriately for school. Thank you!

• If students come to school in slippers or pajamas we may ask that parents come and bring the appropriate attire to school for students to change.

SMART watches are considered a personal device. Teachers have found that they can serve as a considerable distraction to students during class. They are also banned by the state during MCAS testing. We ask that all SMART watches be left at home or in the lockers during the school day. Please and thank you.

Students are only allowed water for drinks in class. There have been some young business entrepreneurs at OMS that have been selling the popular "Prime" drinks (as well as other things such as candy). Students are not authorized nor allowed to sell anything at school. Moreover, these drinks are not allowed. Please ensure that your student is not bringing these drinks to school or buying or selling these drinks at school or on the bus.

We see the school and home as a partnership. We ask to review these expectations with your child in an effort to create unified expectations from both the school and home fronts. Please see the matrix attachment below to review with your child.

• If your student requires an epipen or inhaler at school or during after school activities, they must have written parent permission and doctor's orders on file with the health office whether the medication is in the health office or they are carrying it. If you are not sure about the status of your student's paperwork or have any questions, please contact me at ntaylor@awrsd.org.

• According to the Massachusetts school immunization requirements, it is recommended that students receive the Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and tetanus) vaccine at age 11-12. One dose is required in Grade 7-12. It is typically given at the physical before entering Grade 7.
• The meningococcal vaccine (MenACWY) is also required with the first dose typically given in Grade 7 and the second dose given in Grade 11.
• Please submit documentation of these vaccines when your child receives them. This may be faxed by your physician's office to 978-827-4986, emailed to me or brought to school by your child (not recommended as frequently it is forgotten in the backpack).

• **In order to play sports, you must have an up-to-date physical in the last 13 months and must go to the Athletic website page and complete the online registration. Any questions please contact Athletic Director edawley@awrsd.org.

• Lastly, we want parents to know that if students call a parent/guardian to pick them up because they are not feeling well and a nurse has not officially dismissed them for medical reasons, this is an UNEXCUSED absence. We ask parents to discourage their child from trying to call home to be dismissed.

Physiology of Addiction by Ruth Potee (This is a recording that was given a few years ago on the teen brain and marijuana, nicotine, and addiction!) It is VERY helpful and informative for parents.

Get Outraged- Facts about Vaping:

https://www.mass.gov/get-outraged

https://www.healthychildren.org/English/safety-prevention/at-home/Pages/Handguns-in-the-Home.aspx

https://www.healthychildren.org/English/health-issues/conditions/emotional-problems/Pages/ten-things-parents-can-do-to-prevent-suicide.aspx

• NIH Articles: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6449671/
• https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27247125/
  
• https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4183915/
• VIDEO: https://youtu.be/kGZvNbfrNag
• WEBSITE: https://www.humanetech.com/youth
• https://www.humanetech.com/take-control
• https://www.humanetech.com/future-generations
  
• NYT Article: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1PdtQZAuVsflH0SuM9E6BMNyDkq9NPcjq/view
• NYT Article: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1zvHPmlIQios-a2llfLFyj6DbdMWB5h8S/view
• Guardian Article: https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2017/oct/05/smartphone-addiction-silicon-valley-dystopia
• PEW Research: https://www.pewresearch.org/internet/fact-sheet/social-media/
• VIDEO: https://youtu.be/rv0g8TsnA6c
• TIME Article: https://time.com/5555737/smartphone-mental-health-teens/
• INFOGRAPHIC: https://www.commonsensemedia.org/technology-addiction-concern-controversy-and-finding-balance-infographic

• Smithsonian & NMAAHC WEBSITE (Race): https://nmaahc.si.edu/learn/talking-about-race
• Anti-Defamation League WEBSITE: https://www.adl.org/resources/tools-and-strategies/talking-young-children-about-bias-and-prejudice
• Oakland Library Resources DOCUMENT: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1s0lCA3FlulVhK6DFE2d3uYCipc6ApY8Gn2rMwm6fYqw/edit
• PJ Library WEBSITE (Antisemitism): https://pjlibrary.org/beyond-books/pjblog/february-2022/how-to-talk-to-children-about-anti-semitism
  
• Nick Helps WEBSITE (Bullying Prevention): https://www.nick.com/nick-helps/bullying-prevention/

Please check the Portal regularly. Google Classroom is not an accurate indicator of grades. Please reach out to the teacher directly if you have any questions.